Graphing in Science

XKCD

Graphing is important in science because:

1.allows you to visualize data

2.allows for comparison of experimental results

Kinds of Graphs in Science… It is common in science to use two main types of graphs

Line graphThese mostly graph numbers stuff.They compare two variables. They can show how stuff changes over time.

Kinds of Graphs in Science… It is common in science to use two main types of graphs

Bar graphThey make comparisons between different variables very easy to see.

Graphing basics…

1. Graphs have an X and Y axis

The X axis is the horizontal axis

The Y axis is the Vertical axis.. Just remember… a Y needs a leg to stand on

Y

Parts of a Graph that you MUST have to get full credit…

Y Label

X Label

Title: This must reflect what the X and Y axis are all about. Other people should be able to figure out what is plotted without asking you.

Titles of graphs are usually "Y versus X“.

Units if needed

Units if needed

Graphing basicsHere’s a trick to remember how to set up a graph… just remember

DRY

MIX

Graphing basics

DRY MIX stands for…

DRY

MIX

ependent variable

esponding Item

- axis

anipulated item

ndependent variable

- axis

The perfect MIX… a DRY but graph-able

mix

Graphing basics

Number of contaminates- volcanic lake

Lets practice determining independent and dependent

variables

Amount of lead in the soil- landfill locations

Number of math problems - Homework assignment

Planets – solar system

IQ points- Shoe size

Graphing basics… Let’s practice

A student conducts an experiment and collects the following data…

Homework problems assigned Time in hours10 problems 125 problems 25 problems 335 problems 415 problems 5

How would we put this data into graph form?

Let’s PRACTICE!!!

!

Graphing basics…

MIX

DRY

First… determine the variables:Homework Problems per Day of the Week

Time (hours)

Homework Problems

Next… set up your graph

1 2 3 4 5

35 30

25

20

15

10 5

0

then… plot your data

Graphing basics… Let’s practice

A coach conducted research on the relationship between sprained ankles and the number of hours practicing in sports.

Sprained Ankles Hours practicing1 52 103 124 205 24

How would we put data into graph form?

Graphing basics…

MIX

DRY

First… determine the variables:Number of sprained ankles and hours in practice

Hours in practice

Number of sprained

Ankles

Next… set up your graph

5 10 15 20 25

5 4 3 2 1 0

then… plot your data

Make your own graph

Number of sales Date28 June 2315 June 2456 June 2515 June 265 June 2734 June 28